Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Khulna on Monday

As Tarique Rahman is set to visit Khulna on Monday morning (2 February) after more than two decades, widespread enthusiasm has swept through party leaders and activists in the region.

BNP leaders and workers have expressed overwhelming excitement, with extensive preparations underway to welcome him and ensure the success of the scheduled rally.

During his visit, Tarique Rahman will attend an election rally as the chief guest, organised by the Khulna city and district units of the BNP at the Prabhati School ground in Khalishpur. According to party sources, the rally will begin at 10:00am.

To ensure smooth execution of the programme, the BNP’s city and district units have formed six sub-committees tasked with overseeing coordination, accommodation, discipline, media management and other organisational responsibilities.

Preparations for the rally are in full swing, including widespread publicity through loudspeaker announcements across the city and district.

Responsible sources within Khulna City BNP said the rally will be jointly organised by the city and district units, where Tarique Rahman will deliver a keynote speech as chief guest. The event will mark his first direct political programme on Khulna soil in more than 20 years.

Khulna City BNP General Secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin said the decision to hold the rally was finalised at an important meeting of senior BNP leaders held on Friday night.

“There is tremendous excitement among BNP leaders and activists in Khulna over Tarique Rahman’s arrival,” he said.

The meeting was attended by BNP nominees Nazrul Islam Manju (Khulna-2), Rakibul Islam Bakkul (Khulna-3), BNP central information secretary and Khulna-4 candidate Azizul Bari Helal, Khulna-5 candidate Ali Asgar Lobi, along with senior leaders from the metropolitan and district BNP units.

Party sources said the aim is to turn the rally into the largest election gathering in the southern region, with participation from a large number of leaders and activists from Khulna city, district and neighbouring districts.

A series of preparatory meetings are also being held at the party office, focusing on ground security, discipline, media coordination and publicity. Loudspeaker campaigning is already underway throughout the area.

Khulna City BNP President Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona said Tarique Rahman’s visit is not merely an election event but a source of renewed confidence, courage and morale for party leaders and activists.

“For leaders and activists who have endured long struggles, this visit will be a fresh source of inspiration. Seeing our beloved leader in our own city after 22 years is a matter of deep emotion, pride and honour,” he said.

He added that Khulna has long been a BNP stronghold and that Tarique Rahman’s visit ahead of the election will play a crucial role in shaping the party’s political strategy, showcasing organisational strength in the southern region and restoring voter confidence.

Meanwhile, concerned sources said the administration has taken necessary measures to ensure normal law and order in and around the rally venue.